Bridges Program Offers Young Adults Road to Independence

The Swampscott Institute for Vocational Training (IVY Program) at Swampscott High is a comprehensive, rigorous transition program for students age 19-22 who have diverse learning styles and a range of special needs. The IVY program focuses on helping young adults discover and develop their individual strengths and interests while preparing each student for an independent and fulfilling life in the community.

The Swampscott IVY Program has been collaborating with Triangle, Inc , an adult service vocational center which is funded by Department of Developmental Services and Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, to develop The Northshore Bridges to Successful Careers. 

The new Northshore Bridges to Successful Careers Program will focus on the crucial stage of school to career.

The Northshore Bridges to Successful Careers services young adults age 19-29 with diverse learning styles who need extra support to transition into the work force. There is a compelling need for this service since these young adults are no longer eligible for assistance through the public school system after turning 22 years of age.

Pat Gorham, a member of the DESE Parents and Community Advisory Board and a member of the Northeast ARC Transition TASK Force, noted that many communities have expressed a need for this service but, until now, there has not been a program that supported these young adults.  The Northshore Bridges to Successful Careers would be the first transition program of its kind.

Classes will be co-taught by Pat Gorham, Director of the Swampscott IVY Program, and Sean Greene, Program Coordinator of Triangle, Inc. and are located at the new facility of Triangle, Inc. in Salem and at the Swampscott Senior Community Center.   Subjects taught include: Career Exploration, Resume Writing, Work Relations, and Accessing Community Resources.  “This is a wonderful example of intergenerational teamwork”, said Rod Pickard, Co-Director of the Swampscott Senior Center.  The Swampscott Senior Community Center will be offering access to their new classrooms, social areas, kitchen, and dining room.  In return, the young adults will develop new skills by assisting with in-house internships, so this will be a mutually beneficial partnership.

Students from The Northshore Bridges to Successful Careers will participate in a variety of internships, including positions at Spaulding Rehabilitation Center and Extras for Creative Re-Use. “It has been wonderful to watch your students grow in the short time they have been working with us” commented Judy, Volunteer Job Coordinator at NSMC.

Students will work on numerous projects which they plan on sharing with the community.  The newest project will be a series of vocational pamphlets and videos that gives step-by-step instructions on a number of entry level jobs. The educational series will be written and produced entirely by the students in the The Northshore Bridges to Successful Careers Program.

 According to Pat Gorham, Director of the Swampscott IVY Program, “Our programs have been successful because of the collaboration among all the partners.  We couldn’t initiate these creative programs without the support of local businesses, adult service agencies, family members and the Swampscott Public School administration.   They recognize the need and take the risk to back these programs.”

The Northshore Bridges to Successful Careers offers part-time and full time schedules. There are two components to the program, separated into young adults under age 22 and young adults age 22- 29.  For more information regarding students under age 22, please contact Pat Gorham at gorham@swampscott.k12.ma.us. For more information regarding students age 22 through 29, please contact Sean Greene at s.greene.triangle@verizon.net. 

An Open House was held on Thursday, February 28 to show off Triangle's new location.  Mona Blumstein, Swampscott Administrator of Student Services, and Tom Marshall, Triangle COO, mingled with staff, students and families.

Informational tours are available Tues-Thurs from 10:00-12:00 at either Triangle or Swampscott. Please contact Pat Gorham or Sean Greene to set up an appointment.

The Northshore Bridges to Successful Careers will help more young adults become independent and productive members of the community.

This article was submitted by the Northshore Bridges program.